Keeping Children Safe

The occurrence of sexual abuse among children is more prevalent than many suspect. Unfortunately, most children know their offender(s) and often times are related to them. Considering all the myths surrounding child sexual assault, many studies have shown that social class does not factor in the risk for child sexual abuse.

Northwest CASA would like to share the following information published by the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center in Renton, Washington.

HOW TO IDENTIFY GROOMING TACTICS AND PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT
Parents and caregivers are the number one resource to protect children and prevent sexual assault. The majority of sexual assaults are not random incidents. Nine out of ten children who came to King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) last year knew their abuser; a family member victimized almost half of those children.

Before assaults occur—especially those committed by someone known to the victim—offenders “groom” victims and families to gain their trust and confidence. This grooming process is a critical time for parents and caregivers to identify the potential risks to children.

Understand the grooming process used by offenders. The basic steps are:

Gaining the trust and confidence of future victims and their families

Introducing the child to sexual types of touch, with escalating inappropriate behavior

Manipulating children with trickery or threats to keep the assault secret

Know who your child spends time with, and watch for warning signs that grooming is taking place, It is important to look for patterns of behavior involving several of the characteristics below. A potential offender may be someone who:

Is exceptionally charming and/or helpful

Attempts to obtain immediate “insider” status

Consistently prefers the company of children to adults, rather than looking for age-appropriate companionship

Attempts to establish peer relationships with people much younger than themselves

Fails to honor clear boundaries set by parents

Roughhouses, wrestles or tickles children after being asked to stop

If you think a child is being groomed, trust your “gut feeling” and act on it:

Listen for statements or questions from your child that would support your suspicions

Encourage our child to tell you more about the time he or she spends with the person

Assert yourself and end questionable behavior

Be willing to stop all contact between your child and the potential abuser, even if it makes you the “bad guy”

Explain your words and actions to your child as a personal safety skill

Talk regularly with children about safety skills and help them become more aware of their environment

Make sure children understand that they can and should say “NO!” to anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable

Resources are available such as books, that parents can read to their children to prompt discussions. “My Body is Mine, My Feelings are Mine” by Susan Hoke is one that contains an adult guide book in it to assist parents. We hope this informative outline helps you to recognize potential dangerous situations. Keeping our children safe is always a number one priority!